A reason to eat healthy: The role of meaning in life in maintaining homeostasis in modern society. Issue 1 (23rd February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Piko, Bettina F; Brassai, Laszlo
• Is Part Of: Health psychology open. Volume 3:Issue 1(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-02-23
• Subjects: health orientation -- health-promoting behavior -- homeostasis -- meaning in life -- nutrition behavior -- spirituality; Clinical health psychology -- Periodicals; Medicine and psychology -- Periodicals; 613.019
• DOI: 10.1177/2055102916634360
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2055-1029

Abstract

Health is a state of homeostasis of four principle kinds, namely, biochemical, physiological, psychological, and social. In this article, we complete this theory with a fifth element, namely, spiritual balance. Existential attitudes have been found to be closely related to identity formation, moral development, value-related attitudes, personal goals, and lifestyle choices. Meaning in life and searching for meaning serve better health since they may encourage people to engage in health-promoting behaviors and avoid health-risking behaviors, such as obesity and eating disorders. The meaning-making model proposes that people's perceptions may contribute to content/discontent with life, body, and the world.